The Internet has become a large part of our daily lives. Lots of people in the UK find uses for the convenience and possibilities that it brings. But what are the latest online trends and where do most people spend their time online? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ways in which people used the internet in 2019.

In the past two decades, internet usage in the UK has grown at a remarkable rate. In the year 2000, just 20% of the adult population had recently used the internet. This figure has increased to more than 90% in the current year. The increase in internet usage shows just how popular the service has become and how more of our daily lives are beginning to depend on it to make things easier for us.

Online shopping, gaming and social media are just some of the examples of how people in the UK use the internet. Although the internet has always been associated with the younger generation, older age groups are also starting to get online. Internet usage amongst the 75 and above demographic has risen more than 20% in just seven years.

So, what were the biggest online trends of 2019 amongst UK internet users?

Online Shopping

Shopping online has always been popular in the UK and 2019 was no different. Clothing is currently the most popular thing to buy online in the UK. Most shoppers agree that being able to instantly compare prices and find the best deals is the main reason for preferring to shop online.

The ease of use and extra convenience that comes with online shopping is also a big plus for UK shoppers, no need to carry lots of bags as everything is delivered straight to your door!

Online Bingo

Bingo has often been a game associated with older generations. Bingo halls were always seen as a popular destination for day trips from retirement homes. These days, however, the internet is helping to lead a Bingo revolution. Clever marketing and the ease of access to fun bingo apps means that more young people than ever are starting to enjoy the game. Bingo has seen a resurgence in the total number of players, but particularly those who play at online bingo sites.

A recent poll of online bingo players found that the majority of players now make up the 25-34 age group. This growth in the number of young players is a big part of the reason for the increased popularity of online bingo sites.

There are now hundreds of bingo sites online, some of which offer exciting welcome bonuses. You can visit whichbingo.co.uk to instantly check out the best bingo sites on the web.

Social Media

Over 67% of the UK population are currently active on social media, that’s an impressive 45 million people! Facebook takes the top spot as the most popular social media network with over 30 million users in the UK.

Social media habits are closely linked with buying behaviour and a recent poll found that nearly half of 18-34-year-olds have bought a product after seeing a related post from a friend or someone they follow on social media.

In between eating way too many Christmas dinners, getting way too drunk at the office party and sending out a ridiculous amount of Christmas cards, we all have to find some time to hit the shops and buy gifts.

While a very small proportion of us love getting our hats and scarves on and venturing out into the cold to buy gifts for distant relatives to open, the vast majority of us do everything possible to avoid it.

So, for those who would rather stay inside with a cuppa and wait for the delivery man to arrive at the doorstep, we’ve compiled a list of the very best presents money (but not too much money) can buy this year.

Glasses stand

For those who are always forgetting where they put their specs

Let’s be honest – we’re forever chasing after our parents and grandparents, looking under sofas and lifting newspapers off the coffee table to find out exactly what they did with their glasses this time. This comical glasses stand from Not On The High Street is perfect for those forgetful family members, and can be bought and personalized with your own message. It’ll fit in with the living room furniture while standing as a great reminder of where to find their specs the next time they go walkabouts. Each stand is handcrafted from solid oak in the company’s workshop in Wales and comes in a variety of great styles – including variations to fit more pairs of glasses and even jewellery.

Shop the solid oak personalized glasses stand on Not On The High Street here.

Twinkle in Time Star Map

For those who love something to hang on the wall

If you know your family and friends love personalized gifts but you don’t fancy trekking around the shops to find the perfect present, a Twinkle in Time star map should be your go-to.  These gorgeous, high-quality maps mark a special date and location in your loved one’s life and create a map showing exactly how the stars were aligned at that time. The website really does make the whole process effortless – you could even post it straight to the receiver’s door so you don’t have to play Santa this year. All you have to do is choose the special memory you want to mark and enter it into the website’s software – the rest is done for you (other than the paying part).

Buy a custom star map from Twinkle in Time here.

Nespresso Citiz

For the one who’s always late to the office

The Nespresso Citiz coffee machine is perfect for anyone who needs that little extra boost after rolling out of bed in the morning. This machine is super stylish, compact enough to fit in most kitchens, and most importantly – makes a great cup of coffee to start the day. It also works at an impressive speed which is great for those who are always late, bringing water to a boil in under 25 seconds. The Nespresso Citiz turns itself off after 9 minutes of inactivity – perfect for the forgetful ones among us who are always leaving the iron on.

Check it out on Cool Things Chicago’s list of Gifts for Her.

Experience day

For the adventurous 

For some, material possessions simply don’t cut it. They want excitement, fun, and adrenaline-filled activities. This Christmas, gift those friends and family members an experience day with Virgin. There are tonnes to choose from to suit everyone from climbers to drivers – you simply have to have a little browse to find something that fits your budget. We also love that there’s hundreds of great gift experiences for couples, so you don’t have to buy two separate presents for your loved-up friends! Genius! You might need to take a little more time on this gift than the other options on this list, but your choice is bound to be unforgettable for the receiver.

Take a look at Virgin’s Experience Days here.

Kool8 Water Bottle

For the sporty one

We all have that friend who’s always talking about their workout, what they ate for dinner, and what protein powder they’re currently really into. And let’s face it – they’re probably also very good at nagging you to drink more water. Introducing the Kool8 water bottle – perfect for those who seem to spend their lives in the gym using hundreds of plastic water bottles a year. This super stylish, eco-friendly bottle keeps water cold for 24 hours, and tea hot for 12. The company also donates 20% of its profits to help deliver clean water to those who need it the most – so you’re also doing your bit for charity this festive period. 

Buy a Kool8 water bottle from their website here.

Scratch Map

For the traveller

The original travel scratch map is simply the best gift for that friend who never seems to stay in the same country for more than a week. Let’s face it, though, they probably already have one hanging on their bedroom wall. That’s where this cute miniature comes in handy, which your traveller friends can take on all their adventures and scratch off countries as they land at each airport. We think it’s a really cute idea to mark off every country you visit on your way around the globe and definitely recommend this adorable miniature.

Shop the original travel map from Scratch Map here.

Beard baubles

For the joker

If you’re looking for a small, humorous gift for your bearded friends, then this is it. Beard baubles, while also super amusing, are a great way for your friends to get their Christmas this year. This pack of nine is really easy to put on and take off without uncomfortable snagging and comes in a range of colors. They’re sure to impress everyone at dinner, although we can’t guarantee your mate won’t have to put up with a few uncomfortable beard tugs and constant nagging that they should shave!

Shop beard baubles on Men Kind here. 

While you might have heard of CBD, there are many discrepancies over what it actually is and its effects on the body. That’s why we’re here to set the record straight on everything you need to know about CBD oil before trying it, and to bust the myths you may have heard.

Read on to find out everything people from Suffolk need to know about CBD oil.

CBD won’t get you high

The reason six million people in the UK can regularly use CBD products is that they don’t get you high. CBD comes from the hemp plant and cannot contain more than 0.3% THC – the chemical responsible for the ‘high’ feeling in marijuana products.

We understand why people may be cautious about taking a product that comes from the cannabis plant, but for most people, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. It is recommended, however, that you slowly introduce your body to CBD by micro-dosing – a method that Virgin Radio host Chris Evans has shared as his method to fixing pain in his right shoulder.

It could be beneficial for pregnant women

Although more research is needed, CBD oil could prove very useful for pregnant women suffering from nausea and pain. That’s because  CBD influences the serotonin receptors, which decreases the release of the chemical so that the body will be stimulated less to vomit.

CBD is also a natural pain killer – Daily CBD Mag claims pregnant women would only need to take a small amount to feel the effects. Of course, you should always consult your doctor before starting to take CBD – especially if you’re pregnant.

It can help with mental health

Millions swear by CBD for its ability to help users with their mental health. Many claim that products can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even help to cure insomnia. That’s because CBD aids the body in the production of its own natural cannabinoids and dopamine to relax the mind.

Users may find that they feel calmer throughout the day, have fewer panic attacks, and experience much longer and deeper sleep. Speaking to The Guardian, Professor of psychiatry and cognitive neuroscience at King’s College London Philip McGuire said: “It’s the hottest new medicine in mental health by some margin. There’s a huge interest in it as a potential new treatment.”

Improves the skin

While many of the top benefits of CBD focus on how the mind and body work, CBD can also be beneficial for aesthetic reasons. The hemp product contains antioxidant properties which can lessen the appearance of wrinkles and help to hydrate the skin, and anti-inflammatory products to reduce redness and swelling from acne. It can also work to reduce the production of sebum – a type of oil responsible for breakouts on the face and neck.

Helps to quit smoking

Though many turn to patches and chewing gum to try to quit the habit, CBD is the newest kid on the block when it comes to stopping smoking. A PubMed study conducted in 2013 found that smokers treated with CBD saw a drop of 40% in the number of cigarettes they were smoking.

Using a CBD vape is a good way to kickstart the process as it still gives the user the feeling of smoking. Those who take CBD even claim that it has the same effect on the body as smoking a cigarette thanks to its ability to reduce anxiety. Back in July, two NHS hospitals in the Midlands opened vape shops to prevent smoking – but there’s no mention of CBD products just yet.

Improves focus

CBD has become particularly popular among students in a bid to help them focus more on the work at hand. That’s all comes back to CBD’s effect on the body’s serotonin levels and how it helps with anxiety – as an anxious mind can often struggle to stay on the straight and narrow. Studies have even shown that hemp products could help with ADHD sufferers, enabling them to sit still for longer and be more productive overall.

Some people give it to their pets

It sounds strange when you first hear it, but CBD for pets is quickly becoming a phenomenon across the world. Cannabinoids found in CBD can interact with receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous systems of dogs, which in turn can help maintain their main functions.

It’s thought that CBD can help pets both in the body and mind: keeping them calm, pain-free, and generally healthy. It is advised that you look into specific CBD pet products, or make sure that any product you give to your pet does not contain other ingredients that are toxic to animals.

You don’t have to directly consume the oil

Many people are put off by the thought of using tinctures as it can seem like a little too much all at once for the body. Fortunately, there are many other ways to take the hemp derivative – a popular method is CBD vaping. Vaping is actually considered a very efficient way to take CBD as it can increase the rate of absorption. 

It also feels much more comfortable to do in public than taking out a bottle of oil and pouring a few drops into your mouth. You can also buy CBD edibles, creams, sprays, patches, and even water. If you are looking for oil, however, Gift Wits has selected the very best to buy in 2020.

It could be used to reduce a high

The funny thing is that while many out there believe CBD is a psychoactive drug, it could actually be used for the very opposite. CBD has been shown to relieve symptoms of paranoia, anxiety and other constricting emotions experienced after smoking too much cannabis.

That’s right- CBD could actually work to reduce a high. It’s also considered to be much safer than eating way too much food or taking a cold bath.

A small note

Although there are studies and CBD users out there to back up every claim on this list, you should still see your doctor before deciding to take CBD- especially if you are planning to give it to your children.

Author bio: Marina Turea is a CBD oil enthusiast and has authored over 500 articles on CBD over the last decade. During her day job, she is a content manager at Digital Authority Partners.

There are now over 33.6 million active online gambling accounts in the UK – that equates to more than one account each for half of the population. While industry growth is soaring around the world, it is incomparable to that of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Island – where gross gambling yield has increased by around 6 million British pounds between 2011 and 2018.

So what’s behind this industry boom – online gambling, technology, a new generation of gamblers? We’re going to look into it all. Here’s why the UK’s gambling industry is thriving.

Online gambling was legalised early

While other parts of the world are still working on the nitty-gritty of legalizing online gambling, the UK had it done and dusted by 2005. The industry is regulated by the Gambling Commission, which was formed by the Gambling Act 2005. The commission watches over a whole range of online gaming, including poker, bingo, sports betting, lottery, and slots.

The Act provided a clear framework for hosting games and placing bets online, which is largely lacking in other parts of the world. Some try to overcomplicate it – in the UK, a player simply needs to be over the age of 18 and have a connection to the internet. Over the last year, the total GGY for online slots has increased by 5.8% to £2.1 billion.

Large number of betting premises

As of September 2018, there were a total of 8,406 betting shops in the UK, with Betfred doubling its number of shops over Statista’s observation period to reach 1,644. While online gambling is growing, UK citizens still have a place in their hearts for the old fashioned betting shop – whether it’s to place a football bet or watch the Grand National. Although some betting shops are now set to close, many remain as profitable as they were 10 years ago and significantly add to the country’s gambling revenue.

Charitable work

The UK’s lottery stands out against many thanks to its work for charity. Numbers released by the Gambling Commission in November 2019 revealed that The National Lottery had contributed a huge £1.5 billion to good causes over the last year, while large society lotteries donated £322 million. It is commonly known that many in the UK contribute to these lotteries not just for the chance to win big themselves, but to continue to help others in the country, too.

Increase in gambling machines

The UK’s gambling machines brought in a total of £2.8 billion between April 2018 and March 2019, seeing a 0.5% increase on last year. A lot of that comes down to operators- once they are given a permit, they try to have as many gambling machines as possible to maintain profits. 

In May 2018, more confidence was put back into the hands of the machine gambler as new rules on fixed-odds were announced. The maximum stake on a fixed-odds betting terminal was reduced from £100 to £2, which may seem bad for revenue, but puts more trust in the minds of betters who enjoy gambling responsibly, who will, therefore, bet more.

Transparency and fairness

The UK continues to be an advocate for total transparency and fairness within the gambling industry. While the gambling commission aims to see success for the market, it is also very clear on its stance with problem gambling. Residents can now seek help quickly and easily online and a variety of support options are available – in fact, more people are now seeking help than ever before.  The 2018 Young People and Gambling Report noted that the total number of underage challenges decreased by 17% in 2017. The year also saw a decrease in the number of young people who had tried or succeeded in playing The National Lottery, but more could still be done – one in eight teenage boys in the country are regular gamblers. 

Shift in cultural views

Although gambling has been legal in the UK since 1960, the new generation of young people has shifted the negative outlook on gambling and made it something to enjoy responsibly. New developments have also made it easier for everyone to find some form of gambling they enjoy – whether it’s visiting a land resort to play poker, or sitting at home playing bingo. Though bingo and slot games used to be seen as activities for the older generation to get out of the house, young people have now taken those games and made them their own online. Regulations on the industry have also become less strict over time, allowing for more regulators to bring in more profits.

Marketed as entertainment

Since the gambling advertising ban was lifted in 2007, the perception of gambling and the number of players taking part has drastically increased. Many UK citizens use online gambling as a form of entertainment, rather than a way to make money. With online gambling taking its place in the day-to-day entertainment industry, more and more are now contributing to its revenue. While gambling was previously seen as a seedy activity, the ability to advertise to the public has lifted this image and given the industry a new lease of life.

New technologies

It’s not just computer-based gambling that has taken the UK by storm, the ability to bet from a mobile device has also been received very well by the public. Players are increasingly turning towards the casinos that are embracing new technology, such as apps and better graphics both online and in-resort.

The modern world has opened so many new doors for the gambling industry which the UK is grabbing onto with both hands. It also means that the country may start to attract a whole new customer, the gamer, who will want to experience high-tech online casino games. Mike Tan, a partner at Online Casino Gems, is hoping that new technology will completely change the future of gambling. He said: “While the UK has one of the best gambling industries in the world – I would really like to see it push itself over the next five years with the introduction of the likes of artificial intelligence and virtual reality.”